Hyundai unwraps concept EV ‘Prophecy’

Hyundai has unveiled its new concept EV ‘Prophecy’, expressing the company’s ‘sensuous sportiness’ design philosophy around clean lines and minimalistic structures.

It’s likened by some media to a cross between a Porsche and a Tesla Model 3, but few specifications such as power and range are available or when it might be produced, the release more a show of Hyundai’s future design.

Joy sticks replace a steering wheel.

“We have brought to life yet another icon that establishes a new standard for the EV segment as well as pushing Hyundai’s design vision to even broader horizons,” Hyundai Global Design Centre head SangYup Lee says.

“A part of that expansion is what we call ‘optimistic futurism’, a design concept embodied by Prophecy, which aims to forge an emotional connection between humans and automobiles.”

The design provides excellent aerodynamics, a characteristic indispensable to EVs, Lee adds.

The propeller shapes embedded in the vehicle’s wheel compel air to be drawn in and flow down the side of the body like water over a stone. The integrated rear spoiler complements this effect by harnessing downforce that aids vehicle stability when travelling at speed.

Transparent acrylic material provides a clear view of the functional components inside, the feature integrated in the spoiler, headlamp and in the camera monitoring system (CMS).

Pixel lamp lights, first seen on the ‘45’ EV, are in the headlamp, tail lamp and spoiler and will be part of Hyundai’s signature design element in future models.

A wide air intake below the bumper takes fresh air to cool the batteries more effectively, and the interior uses the benefits of an EV platform to provide a “lifestyle space of refinement and comfort”.

Prophecy uses autonomous driving technology. Instead of a steering wheel, two joysticks pivot left and right, one in the centre console and another on the door trim. Drivers have access to a wide variety of functions selected via the joysticks’ integrated buttons.

In ‘Relax’ mode, passengers have virtually zero visual obstacles. In a comfortably reclined position, all that the passengers see is the horizontal pillar-to-pillar display and the wing-shaped dashboard. In this mode, the dashboard swivels, allowing for a spacious interior and seat position from which passengers can enjoy content on the display.

External intakes at the bottom of the side doors allow air to circulate through ‘clean air technology’, providing a steady stream of purified air inside the vehicle. In addition, the treated air is returned to the atmosphere as clean air.

The name Prophecy reflects the concept’s purpose, as it signifies a bright future for both Hyundai’s designs as well as innovative mobility solutions for the EV customers of tomorrow.